PAS 402 is spreading confidence in the industry about the way construction and demolition material will be handled, when it leaves a site and that it will get taken care of according to strict standards.

Established in combination with the British Standards Institution (BSI), the PAS 402 specification necessitates waste management companies to validate performance in some crucial areas of waste management, including materials recovery and landfill diversion.

The construction firm needs to provide certifiable and authoritative information when it undertakes a waste management audit for a building project. The process will make it simpler to evaluate the correct contractor for the task and give one a higher chance of attaining the most cost-efficient levels of recycling and reuse.

What is PAS 402?

PAS 402 was shaped by BSI and Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) in 2009. However, its growing use and success demonstrate that it is used commonly throughout the UK in waste management audits.

Each waste management company needs to report their recovery rates under the scheme, for a range of waste streams, such as metals, plasterboard or asbestos. Their landfill weight is recorded, and this raises the motivation for re-use. Those figures are confirmed independently by an inspector from the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS).

How construction businesses profit

Construction firms carry a responsibility of care to guarantee their waste is being dealt with responsibly and legally. PAS 402 makes sure that the zero waste ambitions by each waste contractor are for all to see and assess. There is an annual report that details the disposal and recovery rates of the company and how they handle every material. Thus, the reports make it easier to compare performances and help one to make the right decisions when they select a construction firm for the best waste management and ensure that it is proficient in the areas one needs.

Waste is becoming an increasingly costly issue for any construction firm, particularly as the rate of Landfill Tax continues to increase. The levy will rise from £84.40 per ton to £86.1 from April and are expected to rise further to £88.95 next year. PAS 402 data can help launch the performance of any building projects under sustainability yardsticks WRAP and BREEAM. Both intend to inspire a well-organized use of resources and lower wastage.

An increasing number of construction firms today acknowledge PAS 402 as an asset when it comes to pitching for work. Many local authorities have specified it as part of their procurement process.

Wales shows the way

PAS 402 has made noteworthy contributions to Wales, ever since its initiation as a pilot project in 2009. It promises Wales to achieve zero waste by 2050.

Eighty waste management companies have now been inspected by UKAS independently and thus confirm the diversion of more than two million tons of wastage. Another 148,358 tons of waste material has been diverted from landfills and thus saving more than £17 million.

The as Green Compass scheme was launched by CEW in 2013. The purpose was to tackle with the lack of reliable and accurate reporting data on waste, and the reports would help to minimize waste. CEW ensures that the industry employs PASs standards and invited 10 ‘pathfinder’ companies to offer their inputs.

All 10 Pathfinder companies remained with the project right till completion and the resulting practical document provided data on road-testing the PAS at every stage as well as advised on its feasibility. These companies have developed a sense of ownership of the PAS and are today its sturdiest advocates within the Welsh waste management industry

Waste firms have improved their efficiency and are getting more work because PAS raises the confidence of their customers. The clients state the standard in their waste management audit and the procurement procedure. The PAS success reflects that construction waste is now being preserved as a resource and is getting valued rather than ignored.

Key Takeaways:

All construction site waste material will be handled according to firm standards under PAS 402, and recycled where possible.

PAS 402 initiated in Wales in 2009 as part of its drive for zero wastage by 2050.

Many local establishments are now recommending PAS 402 in their procurement process.